Chris Johnson finished with two doubles and one RBI, while Heyward and Freeman both hit their two-run shots during a four-run fifth inning for the Braves, winners of three straight.

Kris Medlen (2-6) tossed seven strong frames and gave up one unearned run on seven hits to earn his first win since April 9. He also fanned six in the victory.

"Every half inning, when I was out there warming up, I tried to make some adjustments," Medlen said. "I felt like I did that. It's been a while. But I always try to keep our team in the game, however many runs we're scoring and however many runs I'm giving up."

Gaby Sanchez and Clint Barmes each hit an RBI double to account for Pittsburgh's offense. The Pirates have dropped three of four.

A.J. Burnett (3-6) lasted five innings, allowing six runs on eight hits, including three homers, while walking three to absorb the loss. The right- hander has gone 0-4 over his last six starts following his last win on May 3.

"I was making pitches early, in that last inning I wasn't able to make pitches," Burnett added. "I got behind hitters. That's a good lineup, man. A good swinging team. You can't get behind them."

The Pirates took three of four from the Braves in a series played in April at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, and won the season series between the teams in 2012, 4-3. Atlanta won the 2011 series, 4-2.